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Motorist Attacks Bicycle Demonstration in Sacramento
One rider injured, one bicycle destroyed at first anniversary Critical Mass in Sacramento.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 7, 2002
Motorist Attacks Bicycle Demonstration
Quality Hi-8 Footage available
Friday, May 3, the Sacramento Critical Mass bicycle demonstration celebrated it first anniversary ride. Approximately 25-35 bicyclists gathered at the Capitol North Steps to emphasize the need for California to reduce automobile dependence and all its harms. Celebrants brought two rolling sound systems playing music; two original creation "art bikes" including a towering triple-tall tricycle with two riders; a couch on wheels carrying a person who couldn't ride due to surgery; and a piñata which was smashed at the side of the road halfway through the ride. Along the way, passersby joined in - not just bicyclists, but some punk rockers with a pogo stick and skateboard, and one kid who ran to jump on the couch for a ride. Many motorists cheered and honked support.
What they did not bargain for was a moment of violence which was to change everything about the day. A woman in a white Chevrolet 4-door was stricken with road rage. After nearly bottoming-out her car barreling over the median, she proceeded to strike one rider, cutting and bruising his knee, and then when he stood up, she ran over his foot. She shouted at him as she ran over his foot and others came to help. Two cyclists stood in her way to keep her from fleeing the crime scene. She proceeded to strike one of them and dramatically crush his bicycle, before fleeing through the crowd to escape - narrowly missing the crowd of shocked and horrified bicyclists. Witnesses say her daughter, in the passenger seat, was pleading "Stop Mom, stop!"
Still captures from the sequence can be seen on the web. Visit http://www.bclu.org/sactocm/ to view them - they are linked from the second paragraph which begins, "Update May 5, 2002".
Although police were monitoring the ride with a helicopter and unknown numbers of squad cars, and were notified of the incident, they did not help at the scene. "I don't want her to go to jail, but her driving privilege needs to be revoked", said victim Josh Nichols whose bicycle was destroyed. "Then that's exactly what we are going to do," said BCLU attorney Lawrence Hildes. Hildes is working on a BCLU lawsuit regarding police abuses at Sacramento Critical Mass. Police have forced the ride to shut down through illegal tactics twice in the past, and without BCLU help, likely would have done so again. See details on the listed website.
The ride gathers on the North Capitol Steps every first Friday (June 7) to ride after 6 PM.
CONTACT:
Josh Nichols, victim: (916) 441-4812
Lawrence Hildes, BCLU attorney: (510) 845-9788
Jason Meggs, Director of BCLU: (510) 720-2818 pager - has Hi-8 video.
For more information:
http://www.bclu.org
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Looks to me like an ordinary citizen who got tired of the way Critical Mass forces itself upon innocent people and refuses to share the publically owned roadways.
You wanna ride a slow-ass bicycle when the rest of us have cars? Fine, then keep your ass in the bicycle lane, or in the SLOW LANE, with your stupid couch-on-wheels and all your other antics. Dont flood our streets, intentionally slowing and blocking us, just because you crave attention.
You complain every time the cops unnecessarily obstruct your freedom, and then Critical Mass turns around and unnecessarily obstructs OUR freedom.
Everyone knows your stated purpose is to block traffic through legal technicalities, and the unspoken threat of charges and lawsuits if we even touch you. The public gets enough harrassment from the cops - we don't need you adding to it.
*Sj
You wanna ride a slow-ass bicycle when the rest of us have cars? Fine, then keep your ass in the bicycle lane, or in the SLOW LANE, with your stupid couch-on-wheels and all your other antics. Dont flood our streets, intentionally slowing and blocking us, just because you crave attention.
You complain every time the cops unnecessarily obstruct your freedom, and then Critical Mass turns around and unnecessarily obstructs OUR freedom.
Everyone knows your stated purpose is to block traffic through legal technicalities, and the unspoken threat of charges and lawsuits if we even touch you. The public gets enough harrassment from the cops - we don't need you adding to it.
*Sj
shut up spider, aren't you in Jerusalem or some place in the west bank? what do you care about california streets?
the bikers were practicing their freedom to ride their bike up and down any street on any lane (in the correct direction), as the law provides them with. you want to drive faster than they are moving, go around the block, otherwise you're breaking the law running people over.
you're such a fucking supremacist.
loves you,
JC
the bikers were practicing their freedom to ride their bike up and down any street on any lane (in the correct direction), as the law provides them with. you want to drive faster than they are moving, go around the block, otherwise you're breaking the law running people over.
you're such a fucking supremacist.
loves you,
JC
"Looks to me like an ordinary citizen who got tired of the way Critical Mass forces itself upon innocent people and refuses to share the publically owned roadways."
Actually, it looks like attempted murder, but I guess in your emotional state you wouldn't understand the difference.
Actually, it looks like attempted murder, but I guess in your emotional state you wouldn't understand the difference.
Jesus, Jesus, check your CA Driver's Manual.
Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have all the fun).
And while I'm thinking about not hitting bikers, hey people, how about everybody puts some nice bright lights on their bikes? It's an easy and cheap way to indulge in some colorful display and make yourself a lot safer, but very few of the bicyclists I see at night have bothered.
No-one wants to have your ass on their conscience because they couldn't see you, so either light it up or stay home at night.
Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have all the fun).
And while I'm thinking about not hitting bikers, hey people, how about everybody puts some nice bright lights on their bikes? It's an easy and cheap way to indulge in some colorful display and make yourself a lot safer, but very few of the bicyclists I see at night have bothered.
No-one wants to have your ass on their conscience because they couldn't see you, so either light it up or stay home at night.
We're not blocking traffic. We ARE traffic.
Lucifer...
>Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the
>right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid
>hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width
>in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have
>all the fun).
keyword here: "supposed"
as mentioned in the previous post, WE ARE TRAFFIC. bicyclists can lawfully take the lanes, but it's hoped of them to stay out of the way, just as it's hoped of motorists to look out for bicyclists. critical mass though, since it's organized, exceeds some of the legality of this interpretation.
keep ridin'! Jesus loves you too my problematic child, Lucifer!
>Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the
>right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid
>hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width
>in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have
>all the fun).
keyword here: "supposed"
as mentioned in the previous post, WE ARE TRAFFIC. bicyclists can lawfully take the lanes, but it's hoped of them to stay out of the way, just as it's hoped of motorists to look out for bicyclists. critical mass though, since it's organized, exceeds some of the legality of this interpretation.
keep ridin'! Jesus loves you too my problematic child, Lucifer!
San Francisco is filled with double parked vehicles, and people don't get angry or freak out and ram them, or even honk. a police officer told me that he'd far prefer that people block driveways or hydrants than to do that, but people aren't particularly irritated by it because it feels so normal and common. It's all psychological. A group of cyclists is much easier to pass than the double parkers every block, yet the novelty of seeing a bicycle seems to make people very angry, and make them think that they're being incredibly slowed down when they aren't. Anyone with sense, driving on a street grid, will make a right turn and go around, or will utilize. It can take forever to drive down van ness, and you'll see not only cyclists but walkers going by you, but that is a jam caused by cars, so it feels frustrating but unavoidable. but having to slow down two seconds for a bicycle - what an outrage.
Oh no the peevies!!!
Rebuttals in order of appearance
Spider: Your logic can be turned right back around at ya! How 'bout Critical Mass is a group of cyclists "who got tired of the way Critical Mass [of cars, e.g., Rush Hour(s)] forces itself upon innocent people and refuses to share the publically owned roadways" not to mention kills people, poisons people, and got in power undemocratically, and (quite literally) DRIVES the oilwar ecomony which we all (even those who benefit obscenely) suffer for.
"Everyone knows your stated purpose is to block traffic through legal technicalities" -- gee, if you ever read how the automobile industry uses technicalities to hurt people and cause all kinds of inconveniences! But ours are not "technicalities", we're riding with the FIRST AMENDMENT not to mention our demonstration is amply permitted under CALIFORNIA LAW -- granted, with a humane and reasonable interpretation, rather than a cruel/fascistic/oppressive interpretation. But then law is just a series of debatable technicalities. Go anarchist, you'll enjoy life more. Better yet ride a bike (what's the difference? :) heee hee hee.
Lucifer: "Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have all the fun). "
Umm right back at ya! Check out CVC 21202(A):
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed
less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction
at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand
curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following
situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle
proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but
not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles,
pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes)
that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge,
subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this
section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for
a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the
lane.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway,
which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or
more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or
edge of that roadway as practicable.
So in short, you're wrong! Of interest, "normal traffic speed" is undefined. Is this the average? When 100 bikes are there and 5 cars are there gee what's the "normal traffic speed"? Bikes can use any lane in that instance. But then you didn't even know that the bicyclists often let people pass. They were too busy having LOTS OF FUN until the crazy motorist came on by.
"And while I'm thinking about not hitting bikers, hey people, how about everybody puts some nice bright lights on their bikes? " Great idea! Thanks to the BCLU for bringing a box of 50 lights to the rides during the dark months. Not that that mattered to the police. Better yet bring some lights yourself and enjoy the next ride too. Nice imagery.
bikes are beautfiul!!!
Rebuttals in order of appearance
Spider: Your logic can be turned right back around at ya! How 'bout Critical Mass is a group of cyclists "who got tired of the way Critical Mass [of cars, e.g., Rush Hour(s)] forces itself upon innocent people and refuses to share the publically owned roadways" not to mention kills people, poisons people, and got in power undemocratically, and (quite literally) DRIVES the oilwar ecomony which we all (even those who benefit obscenely) suffer for.
"Everyone knows your stated purpose is to block traffic through legal technicalities" -- gee, if you ever read how the automobile industry uses technicalities to hurt people and cause all kinds of inconveniences! But ours are not "technicalities", we're riding with the FIRST AMENDMENT not to mention our demonstration is amply permitted under CALIFORNIA LAW -- granted, with a humane and reasonable interpretation, rather than a cruel/fascistic/oppressive interpretation. But then law is just a series of debatable technicalities. Go anarchist, you'll enjoy life more. Better yet ride a bike (what's the difference? :) heee hee hee.
Lucifer: "Turns out that bicyclists are supposed to ride as close to the right curb as possible, except to pass, make turns or avoid hazards. It's MOTORcycles who are entitled to full lane width in any lane (they get to split lanes, too. Some guys just have all the fun). "
Umm right back at ya! Check out CVC 21202(A):
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed
less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction
at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand
curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following
situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle
proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but
not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles,
pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes)
that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge,
subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this
section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for
a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the
lane.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway,
which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or
more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or
edge of that roadway as practicable.
So in short, you're wrong! Of interest, "normal traffic speed" is undefined. Is this the average? When 100 bikes are there and 5 cars are there gee what's the "normal traffic speed"? Bikes can use any lane in that instance. But then you didn't even know that the bicyclists often let people pass. They were too busy having LOTS OF FUN until the crazy motorist came on by.
"And while I'm thinking about not hitting bikers, hey people, how about everybody puts some nice bright lights on their bikes? " Great idea! Thanks to the BCLU for bringing a box of 50 lights to the rides during the dark months. Not that that mattered to the police. Better yet bring some lights yourself and enjoy the next ride too. Nice imagery.
bikes are beautfiul!!!
For more information:
http://www.critical-mass.org/
I just have to say that this incident scares me but you know what? Everyday gets this scary too. Just walking and biking around just think what people go through.
To me, this is a good reason to go to one of these rides. Because what happened there is exactly what needs protesting.
To me, this is a good reason to go to one of these rides. Because what happened there is exactly what needs protesting.
Since know has other mentioned, if check the link above to the bclu website and look at the images, the license plate is clearly visible. I expect this driver will be in court in the not to distant future.
We have seen not too long ago a SF motorist aquitted for intentionally running down and killing a bicyclist.
Hopefully this loose cannon will be deprived of her driving privelege, which is what the person whose foot was run over wants.
We have seen not too long ago a SF motorist aquitted for intentionally running down and killing a bicyclist.
Hopefully this loose cannon will be deprived of her driving privelege, which is what the person whose foot was run over wants.
My you sound bitter. What's your problem?
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
My you sound bitter. What's your problem?
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
My you sound bitter. What's your problem?
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
My you sound bitter. What's your problem?
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
In the many years that I have been bicycling I have had to deal with sociopaths like you who seem to resent my even being there at all, who loudly honk and don't want to slow down one bit to let me to change lanes and get into the left turning lane, as is my right, who seem to begrudge my holding them up for even a second while I'm crossing in the crosswalk, and those who really need to go back and take a few driving lessons, not to mention learn manners.
I've certainly had to learn patience in dealing with the frightening, maddening, nonstop stream of lethal metal with grim, glowering humanoid visages inside, hurtling past my left elbow every day.
I think having to deal with this hell-parade every day has made me a better person. You could learn how to be a better person too if you tried bicycling and see what we have to go through every day.
I hope that miserable perpetrator of the hit-and-run incident is taken off the road and put into the anger management class she (and you and others) so desperately need.
Thanks so much for your attention!
godamn,
transportation shouldn't have to be a battlefeild, i get nearly killed at the least six times a day when i ride my bike, not to mention the cops pulling anything they can out of there ass to pin on me, it is clear that the city is desinged for cars and NOT PEOPLE, this is so screwed up, cars are not living entities PEOPLE ARE, and they should have priority over these goddamn death machines, i don't think people even consider half the the time that they could take some ones life when they speed by trying to keep that oh so important appointment, and if they do consider it and still do it then they are even more screwed up, cars should be striaght up out lawed in the city, especially one the size of san francisco where you could easily walk let alone bike the distance of the city, or anyother of the cities in the bay area. and if you are so worried about getting there on time then maybe you should reconsider your priorities, and slow your life to a manageable pace where you are not so nervous to the point of neurosis that would make you run over such kind people as the ones brutalized in sacto, hey i hope your legs ok, by the way.
take your time, breathe, quit your job, and ride a bike all day!
transportation shouldn't have to be a battlefeild, i get nearly killed at the least six times a day when i ride my bike, not to mention the cops pulling anything they can out of there ass to pin on me, it is clear that the city is desinged for cars and NOT PEOPLE, this is so screwed up, cars are not living entities PEOPLE ARE, and they should have priority over these goddamn death machines, i don't think people even consider half the the time that they could take some ones life when they speed by trying to keep that oh so important appointment, and if they do consider it and still do it then they are even more screwed up, cars should be striaght up out lawed in the city, especially one the size of san francisco where you could easily walk let alone bike the distance of the city, or anyother of the cities in the bay area. and if you are so worried about getting there on time then maybe you should reconsider your priorities, and slow your life to a manageable pace where you are not so nervous to the point of neurosis that would make you run over such kind people as the ones brutalized in sacto, hey i hope your legs ok, by the way.
take your time, breathe, quit your job, and ride a bike all day!
Is there a Sacramento IMC? Will there be one anytime soon?
Here is a sact. IMC that is on another server system than the rest of the IMCs. They look like they need a little help but it's a good start. They should change their background and text color:
http://flag.blackened.net/sacimc/
http://flag.blackened.net/sacimc/
Did that hit and run driver ever get reprimanded?
For more information:
http://home.aol.com/DrBatch
The Sacramento IMC <http://flag.blackened.net/sacimc/> apparently isn't quite ready for prime time. If you're in the area and want to help, please check out the site and/or subscribe to the mailing list at <http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/listinfo/imc-sac>.
Dr.: The hit-and-run has not been "reprimanded" although the story has
appeared on nightly news and at least one news crew has gone to a house
to try to find her, which also aired:
http://www.thekcrachannel.com/sac/news/localnews/stories/news-localnews-144580120020508-180511.html
As mentioned previously, the police failed to show up to take a report and
take action. Since then the victims have decided they don't want to press
charges not because she isn't guilty of assault, hit-and-run, and reckless
driving, and probably more, but because they do not believe in the prison
system/etc. She also violated the constitutional rights of everyone involved
in the demonstration.
This violent motorist will lose her privilege to drive if there is any justice,
and the process has already begun.
Jason Meggs
Director, BCLU
appeared on nightly news and at least one news crew has gone to a house
to try to find her, which also aired:
http://www.thekcrachannel.com/sac/news/localnews/stories/news-localnews-144580120020508-180511.html
As mentioned previously, the police failed to show up to take a report and
take action. Since then the victims have decided they don't want to press
charges not because she isn't guilty of assault, hit-and-run, and reckless
driving, and probably more, but because they do not believe in the prison
system/etc. She also violated the constitutional rights of everyone involved
in the demonstration.
This violent motorist will lose her privilege to drive if there is any justice,
and the process has already begun.
Jason Meggs
Director, BCLU
For more information:
http://www.bclu.org/
They should take direct action against her car. Hit her where it hurts, right in the pocket book.
What is her home address, anyway?
What is her home address, anyway?
To "Anarchist":
It is strongly recommended that no one take violent action against
the driver or her vehicle.
If you really wanted to take that risk you would do better to try
shutting down the murderous system which begets this type
of violence, not by targeting one of its many homocidal
participants but by stopping the system itself and working
to create a better system (or even lack of system).
This was just one of many incidents of road rage aimed at people
who ride bicycles (or walk, skate, etc.). In this case, no one was
killed -- unlike other well publicized cases in the Bay Area. So
far no one to my knowledge has targeted these people individually.
Hurting her or her car won't change that.
Hurting her car could however be used against nonviolent popular
movements like Critical Mass. Think carefully before you take
direct action, not just about the risks you take personally but
about the risks you create for others. Or how much better are you
than she, who participated in a violent system and created
violence? Fighting amongst ourselves is to great extent what
the rulers want. Pitting drivers against bicyclists is what they've
already done -- by creating a system where you can't cross the
street without risking your life, using military technology to get
individuals around, and fueling that technology with petroleum
for which every major war of the past 100 years has centered
around.
For the record, many people who believe in anarchism do not
believe in solving problems by attacking individuals of the system,
and many do not believe in using violence.
Ride bike, win freedom, transcend hierarchies of power including
concrete, asphalt and cars.
It is strongly recommended that no one take violent action against
the driver or her vehicle.
If you really wanted to take that risk you would do better to try
shutting down the murderous system which begets this type
of violence, not by targeting one of its many homocidal
participants but by stopping the system itself and working
to create a better system (or even lack of system).
This was just one of many incidents of road rage aimed at people
who ride bicycles (or walk, skate, etc.). In this case, no one was
killed -- unlike other well publicized cases in the Bay Area. So
far no one to my knowledge has targeted these people individually.
Hurting her or her car won't change that.
Hurting her car could however be used against nonviolent popular
movements like Critical Mass. Think carefully before you take
direct action, not just about the risks you take personally but
about the risks you create for others. Or how much better are you
than she, who participated in a violent system and created
violence? Fighting amongst ourselves is to great extent what
the rulers want. Pitting drivers against bicyclists is what they've
already done -- by creating a system where you can't cross the
street without risking your life, using military technology to get
individuals around, and fueling that technology with petroleum
for which every major war of the past 100 years has centered
around.
For the record, many people who believe in anarchism do not
believe in solving problems by attacking individuals of the system,
and many do not believe in using violence.
Ride bike, win freedom, transcend hierarchies of power including
concrete, asphalt and cars.
For the record, I believe there are moral arguments against "anarchist"'s suggestion. Is vigilante revenge a good anarchistic system of justice? I don't think so.
Suppose someone follows the suggestion and smashes the driver's car. She or her family feel they have a "need" (false or not) for this car. They will buy another one, thus increasing consumption, and will have to work more to pay for it, increasing production, so that capitalism is in a small way strengthened.
On the other hand, suppose her privilege to drive is revoked for a short while. She and her family (remember she was driving her presumptive daughter around) will seek alternative methods of transportation. They could carpool. Or walk or bike more. After a few months of that, they may come to see the bicyclists' point of view in a way no flyer could convey. Perhaps an enemy might become an ally.
Think about it, wouldn't it be amazing to have this driver and her passenger as participants in a future critical mass?
Suppose someone follows the suggestion and smashes the driver's car. She or her family feel they have a "need" (false or not) for this car. They will buy another one, thus increasing consumption, and will have to work more to pay for it, increasing production, so that capitalism is in a small way strengthened.
On the other hand, suppose her privilege to drive is revoked for a short while. She and her family (remember she was driving her presumptive daughter around) will seek alternative methods of transportation. They could carpool. Or walk or bike more. After a few months of that, they may come to see the bicyclists' point of view in a way no flyer could convey. Perhaps an enemy might become an ally.
Think about it, wouldn't it be amazing to have this driver and her passenger as participants in a future critical mass?
Justice is not about revenge. Justice is about forgiveness. I applaud the victims' decisions to find some way of addressing this attack without getting the driver jailed.
Critical Mass Rides in Memory of Rosalinda Solis
Saturday, June 8, 2002A critical mass ride of about thirty pedaled down East Washington today to the corner of Marquette Street. That's where Rosalinda Solis was killed Wednesday evening. The cyclists were welcomed by family and friends of Rosalinda; they mourned her death in silence before vowing to do something about one of the most dangerous traffic areas in Madison.
High-bandwidth video /
Low-bandwidth video
Photo gallery 1 /
Photo gallery 2
For more information:
http://madison.indymedia.org
Although the victims of this road rage attack declined
to press charges, the driver is being sued by a BCLU
attorney on behalf of the victims. Besides restitution,
plaintiffs intend to have her driver's license revoked.
to press charges, the driver is being sued by a BCLU
attorney on behalf of the victims. Besides restitution,
plaintiffs intend to have her driver's license revoked.
For more information:
http://www.bclu.org/
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